MANCHESTER UNITED are ready to rival Chelsea and Manchester City for the signing of Lionel Messi after the player continued to cast doubts over his Barcelona future last night.

Messi has been heavily linked with a move to Chelsea or City in recent times after falling out with Barca boss Luis Enrique.

And while the Argentine ace called suggestions that his father has already spoken to the Premier League duo about a move 'lies', the 27-year-old continues to hint that his future may lie away from the Camp Nou.

Speaking at the Ballon d'Or awards yesterday Messi said: "I am not sure If I will go back to Newell's Old Boys one day.

"I am not sure where I will be next year.

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Lionel Messi has cast further doubt over his future

I am not sure where I will be next year.

Lionel Messi

"I have always said that I will end my career at Barcelona but as Cristiano said: 'Only God knows the future.' Things in football can change overnight."

And the Guardian suggest that United will now enter the race to land the forward, and do have the financial ability to push through a £200m deal.

Indeed, it is suggested that United may be the only English clubs that could pay such a fee up front as Barca would be likely to require.

In July, Ed Woodward, United's executive vice-chairman, said:""Whether it's a [world] record or not doesn't really resonate with us.

"What resonates is an elite player that the manager wants who is going to be a star for Manchester United."